NewJeans, formerly known as Team N, had their debut evaluation on March 27th, 2021.
Seven trainees from Source Music competed for a spot in the debut lineup with the song “Attention.”
The new girl group, named Team N, had been in preparation since 2018 with a debut goal in the third quarter of 2021.
Min Hee-jin joined the project in 2019 as a creator, overseeing visuals and concept.
Source Music focused on management, singing, and dance training for the new girl group.
Debut evaluation video released in 2021 by Team N showed promise with “Attention.”
Debut was indefinitely postponed, raising questions about negligence by Source Music or Min Hee-Jin.
Bang Si-Hyuk and So Sung-jin Aimed to Change the Girl Group Landscape With Min Hee-Jin
Min Hee-jin initially hesitant due to lack of control but accepted role as HYBE’s CBO.
Collaboration faced issues as Min Hee-jin wanted more authority over branding, music, and performance.
So Sung-jin had final decision-making power, leading to project stalling.
Questions arose about Min Hee-jin’s true intentions due to project difficulties.
Team N Was Prepared to Debut With the Song “Attention”, but Faced Delays
Team N was prepared to debut with the song “Attention”, but faced delays due to Min Hee-jin not providing crucial branding materials.
The Article Continues Below
- Ador Denies the Unauthorized Use of Shakatak’s Song by NewJeans
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Speculation arose about Min Hee-jin’s motives, including the possibility of managing the group under her own label.
Source Music made multiple efforts to schedule meetings and finalize plans in 2021, but Min Hee-jin consistently postponed.
Min Hee-Jin’s frequent consultations with a shaman during this time suggested she had other priorities.
Source Music Scouted and Trained Members of Team N for a Debut in the Third Quarter of 2021
Delays from Min Hee-jin’s side caused uncertainty and forced a reconsideration of plans.
Source Music shifted focus to prioritize the debut of Team S, later known as LE SSERAFIM
Min Hee-Jin’s Approach and Delays Affected Team N’s Debut Timeline
Source Music’s efforts were overshadowed by misaligned goals and internal conflicts.
Team N was transferred to Min Hee-jin’s label ADOR, with Team S debuting first in May 2022.
Conflict arose between Min Hee-jin and Source Music over management and debut process of the group.
